Improved writing-desk



UNITED STATES PATENTY OFFICE.

ANDREW J. RITTER, OF RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY.

lMPROVED WRITING-DESK.

Specification forming part'of Letters Patent No. 35,781, dated July 1, 18672.

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ANDREW J. RITTER, of Rahway, county of Union,State of New Jersey, have invented a new and Improved Mode of Constructing a Portable Vriting-Desk, Portfolio, Vork Box, and. Checker-Board combined; and I do hereby declare thatthe following is a full and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon.

The nature of my invention consists in providing a box or casein a portfolio or box form with covers or lids hinged on either and at opposite ends, and fastened in such amanner that when the lids are opened and supported to a certain elevation they form a portable writing-desk, which can be used at any moment required.

To enable others skilled in the art of making and using portable desks, 86e., to makeas A, Figure 1, on the inside, and in the cen-A ter of two of the frame-pieces are grooves, in which a pasteboard partition, C, is placed, which divides the frame into two apartments, one for stationery, and one for notions, &c., as shown at IzI and I, Figs. 2, 3, and 5. On each side of the frame A hinged lids or covers D and E are attached, as at J J, Figs. 2 and 3, each lid being fastened by the hinged end to the frame at opposite ends, so that each lid may open opposite to each other, as shown at K K, Figs. 2 and 3. On the inside of the lid or cover E is attached supporting board or rest F, which is also hinged at L' L and M M,

`aud,when in a perpendicular position,elevates one end of the box A, asshownatF,Fig. 3. On the opposite side and opposite end of the box A the rest G is hinged to the inside of the frame A, and when in a perpendicular position elevates the cover, as shown at Fig. 3.

Now, when the box is to be converted into a desk, it is only necessary to open the lid E and raise the hinged supporting board or rest F to a perpendicular position, then open the lid D and raise the hinged supporting board or rest G to aperpendicularposition. The lid D resting upon the rest G, and the box or frame A resting on the rest F, make the elevation,give the desired pitch,and form a desirable desk, which can be held` in hand or rested upon the lap or knees, no matter what the sitting position is. Fold down the rest F, close the lid Eand secure the lid with the elastic, fold down the rest G, throw up the lid D, and it is a perfect work-box and toilet, as shown at Fig. 5. Close the lid D and secure as lid E and it is Va portfolio and checker-board, as shown at Fig. 4. y

I do not claim any particular substance or material,nor any particular size for making this arrangement;4 but Vhat I do claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-' The combination of the partitioned box or frame A, lids or covers D and E, and rests or supporting-boards F and G,for the purpose of producing a portable writing-desk, portfolio, work-box, and checker-board, substantially in the manner set forth.

In testimony whereof I do hereby subscribe my name this the 25th day of December, 1861.

ANDREV J. RITTER.V

In presence of- WM. RIoHARDs, "j ALFRED MARSH. 

